Structure of the Earth

Flashcards for reviewing key vocabulary related to the structure of the Earth.

Crust

The thin outer layer of the Earth, consisting mostly of granitic and mafic silicate rocks.

Mantle

The layer of the Earth below the crust, consisting mostly of ultramafic silicates.

Core

The innermost layer of the Earth, consisting mostly of iron, nickel, and sulfur.

Atmosphere

The layer of gases surrounding the Earth, where 80% of the air lies within 10 km of the surface.

Lithosphere

The rigid outer part of the Earth, consisting of the crust and upper mantle.

Asthenosphere

The partially molten layer of the mantle that deforms fluidly under pressure.

Outer Core

The liquid phase of the Earth's core, primarily made of nickel and iron.

Inner Core

The rigid, solid inner layer of the Earth's core, mostly composed of iron and nickel.

Tectonic Plates

Large pieces of the Earth's crust that move a few centimeters every year.

Seismic Waves

Waves of energy that travel through the Earth, used to study its internal structure.

Minerals and Resources

Natural materials from the crust, oceans, and atmosphere that are vital for human use.

Plate Boundaries

The edges where tectonic plates meet; can be divergent, convergent, or lateral sliding.